EndoVAC, a novel hybrid technique to treat infected vascular reconstructions with an endograft and vacuum-assisted wound closure.

Purpose: To report an initial experience and midterm results of a novel hybrid technique (EndoVAC) combining stent-grafts, surgical revision, and vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC).

Methods: All 10 patients (5 men; mean age 62 years) treated with the EndoVAC technique for infected vascular reconstructions (5 carotid, 4 femoral) or access sites (1 femoral and 1 brachial artery) between November 2007 and June 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up included laboratory investigations, duplex ultrasonography, and imaging.

Results: VAC therapy was applied for a median 15 days (range 9-54). Three complications occurred: a watershed infarction (dysphasia), a transient hypoglossal nerve palsy, and a late stent-graft thrombosis. Two patients died during treatment but with local infection under control. Over a median follow-up of 11 months (range 1-33), no recurrent infection was noted after healing of the skin in any of the 8 survivors.

Conclusion: The EndoVAC technique seems to be a promising option for treatment of infected vascular reconstructions in selected cases.